Everything You Need to Know About Working with the Magic of the ElementsFor thousands of years, our ancestors believed that the Elements-Earth, Air, Fire, and Water-were the building blocks of the Universe, and their inherent properties and energies could be directed to manifest particular outcomes. This belief grew and evolved over time as part of the Western Mystery Tradition, a body of beliefs that has had significant influence on the dynamic nature-based religion known as Wicca. Through ritual and magic, Wiccans interact with the primal forces of the Elements in a variety of ways, calling upon them for assistance in the transformation of their realities just as the earliest shamans did in the ancient world.You may already be aware of some aspects of how the Elements figure into Wiccan practice. For example, you may know that each is represented by different ritual tools-the pentacle for Earth, the wand for Air, the cup for Water and the athame for Fire. But did you know that the psychic energies of each Element are found within each and every person on the planet? Or that by connecting spiritually with a particular Element you can help address an imbalance in your life? And let's not forget the all-important Fifth Element, known in many traditions as Akasha, or simply Spirit, which contains the other four and yet is an Element in its own right.But if all of the above is news to you, don't worry-it really doesn't matter how much you've learned so far about Wicca or the Elements. Elemental Magic was created for both beginners and more experienced Witches alike. In this guide, best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain covers it all: the basics of incorporating the Elements into your rituals, as well as less-often discussed topics like animism, Elemental personalities, and using these forces of nature to help you enhance your magical perception. Indeed, as you will see, an Element-centered practice is a rich and rewarding way to deepen your connection to the Goddess and God, to Nature, the Universe, or whatever terms your particular belief system ascribes to the power of All That Is.Foundations of Elemental MagicIn order to truly grasp the underlying concepts behind working with the Elements, it's important to learn how these components-Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit-came to be defined in Western magical traditions. You'll also need a close look at each individual Element to understand its inherent properties and its potential to transform your magical